Beyond Us [Bangchan] [Finished]

Chapter 8

I tried to keep my cool, but I couldn't. Why did I say yes? How did I not remember I was leaving soon? I wondered if there was any chance for me to stay for a couple of weeks more. Then I remembered Richard and the pile of work that was waiting for me; there was no way I could extend my vacation again. And I missed my family already. Even if I lived on my own, I spent every Sunday with them and celebrated everything together. I had started to miss them already.

There was just one thing I could do, I had to tell Chan. But how? I was feeling so sorry already. I kept cursing myself the whole two hours I spent in the fort. When I met Ella, she told me the same thing, I had to tell Chan I was actually leaving. I really didn't want to. I wanted to go to Eggslut with him.

The time left from the weekend went by hella slowly and I couldn't tell Chan anything at all. He texted me on Saturday night and we didn't chat on Sunday, but I saw him live. I was mad and sad.

On Monday morning, my grandparents took us to Seoul International Airport since they had a doctor's check out. Grandpa seemed a bit sad so I gave him a big hug before leaving them in the parking lot.

While walking into the airport, I could feel my entire self screaming at me "don't go", I even noticed I was walking slower than usual. I pondered staying again...

"There must be something I can do to stay", I thought pressing my lips together trying to organize my thoughts and come out with something. "Was there something to do to stay?" I asked myself. "Not really". Suddenly, I was full of courage.

"Mia?" Called Ella the moment I stopped midway to the check-in desk.

"I'm not leaving with you". I said with my mind finally set.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm not leaving with you today".

"What? But... is it because of Matt again?" I shook my head from side to side. Her eyes widened in surprise. "No, Mia, this is stupid". She understood what I was talking about. "What if you don't happen to meet again? He may have the intention but... he's an idol".

"I don't care. I think it's better if I leave disappointed than regretful".

"You said there was nothing going on". She insisted.

"And I still think there isn't and I'm not hoping something happens either. It's just..." I sighed. "I clicked with him, ok? I'm here for the experience of talking with him since we seem to get along. Maybe we end up being friends, who knows? Wouldn't you do the same if you were in my shoes? And I'd like to be here so much, there're a lot of places I still want to go to". She stared at me for long seconds before sighing and giving me a faint smile.

"This is so like you".

"I'm sorry". She shook her head.

"It's fine".

"I'll send you the money for the rent; you don't have to worry about that".

"Wait, how long are you staying for?"

"I don't know, a month". I said more like a question than an answer. She sighed even heavier this time.

After seeing Ella off, I took the first taxi I saw and headed to the embassy. I honestly didn't know how things worked, I was Korean but what? I lived in the U.S.A. I didn't know if I could just stay because I wanted to. Once there, I made some questions, and an old man assisted me and asked me some things. It was everything real quick, actually, a mere formality.

"Hello?", said Richard with a hoarse voice. Right! The 17 hours difference! It was nighttime there.

"Richard! Sorry, I forgot about the time difference".